18 Questions
What is the primary purpose of exocytosis?
To secrete substances out of the cell
Which of the following is NOT a type of endocytosis?
Exocytosis
What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus in the protein packaging process?
To add post-translational modifications to proteins
Which of the following is NOT a post-translational modification that occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?
Glycosylation
What is the primary purpose of receptor-mediated endocytosis?
To transport specific molecules into the cell
What is the primary difference between exocytosis and endocytosis?
Exocytosis transports substances out of the cell, while endocytosis transports substances into the cell
What is the primary function of phagocytosis?
Movement of large molecules into the cell
Which type of cells are known for releasing histamine?
Mast cells
What is the main function of receptor-mediated endocytosis?
Movement of substances into the cell
Which drug is commonly used to treat epilepsy by reducing neurotransmitter release?
Levetiracetam
What is the distinctive feature of constitutive secretory pathways?
Release proteins without regulation
Where do vesicle pools form in relation to synaptic zones?
Pre-synaptic zones
What is the main function of phagocytosis?
Movement of large molecules into the cell
Which process involves the fusion of an endocytosed vesicle with an 'early endosome'?
Endocytotic pathway
What are early endosomes characterized by?
Low pH environment due to proton pumps
Which disease involves the accumulation of LDL particles in the blood due to impaired endocytosis?
Atherosclerosis
In which process are amino acids, cholesterol, and fatty acids released by breaking down cargo?
Endocytotic pathway
What specific event triggers pinocytosis?
Changes in extracellular components
Study Notes
Exocytosis and Endocytosis
- Exocytosis uses energy (ATP) and involves the movement of substances OUT of the cell
- Exocytosis involves insertion of membrane proteins, secretion of substances (e.g. insulin, neurotransmitters), and removal of unwanted molecules
Protein Packaging
- Protein packaging occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus
- Post-translational modifications in the ER include:
- Folding
- Assembly into multi-subunit complexes (quaternary structures)
- Disulfide bond formation
- Glycosylation (addition of sugars)
- Membrane proteins are added to the membrane as soon as they are translated
- Proteins are sorted and modified in the Golgi apparatus before being packaged into secretory vesicles
Exocytosis Pathways
- Constitutive secretory pathways: e.g. secretion of proteins and elements of the extracellular matrix
- Regulated secretory pathways: e.g. neurotransmitter release
- Exocytosis machinery involves membrane fusion and insertion of membrane proteins
- Secretory cells examples include mast cells, beta-cells of the pancreas, and goblet cells
Endocytosis
- Endocytosis is the movement of substances INTO the cell
- Types of endocytosis:
- Phagocytosis: large molecules
- Pinocytosis: small molecules
- Receptor-mediated endocytosis: specific molecules
- Endocytosis involves fusion with lysosomes for protein degradation
Pinocytosis and Phagocytosis
- Pinocytosis: "cell drinking", non-specific, maintains plasma membrane size
- Phagocytosis: receptor-mediated endocytosis of large molecules
Endocytotic Pathway
- Endocytosed vesicle first encounters an early endosome with a low pH
- Cargo is either returned to the membrane or transferred to a late endosome, which fuses with a lysosome
- Lysosome contains enzymes to break down cargo into constituent parts
Diseases Related to Endocytosis
- Atherosclerosis: genetic disorders can affect LDL particle uptake, leading to atherosclerotic plaques
Test your knowledge on endocytosis and exocytosis with this quiz by Dr. Morven Cameron from Western Sydney University. Learn about the active transport processes, such as movement of substances in and out of the cell, insertion of membrane proteins, secretion of substances like insulin and neurotransmitters, and removal of unwanted molecules.
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